Persea Mite

As growers and pest control advisors plan their arthropod pest management program for 2014, they should consider the consequences of pesticide resistance that would make pest management problematic in the future.

There are three types of mites that feed on California avocado trees. All three of these mites damage avocado leaves by removing chlorophyll during feeding. Excessive feeding can lead to rapid loss of avocado leaves, effecting the number of avocado fruit on the tree.

Persea mites damage avocado trees by removing chlorophyll from the leaves when feeding. As a result, once 7.5-10% of the leaf surface is damaged, the leaves begin to drop. Because healthy leaves are critical to a healthy avocado tree and crop, persea mite damage can effect avocado growers’ profitability.